Summer Reflections

As we bask in the warmth of the summer season, often accompanied by a change of pace or perhaps a well-deserved vacation, it's an ideal moment to cultivate a discipline of reflection. It might appear unconventional to spend your moments of respite in solitude, mulling over your thoughts. You might even think of it as a nonproductive use of your vacation time. However, from my experience, I've learned that the habit of reflection empowers us to grow from our past experiences and readies us to more effectively tackle the unforeseen challenges of tomorrow.

To truly flourish and serve as an impactful leader, it's crucial to allocate time for self-reflection, assessment, and insightful contemplation. Consider the instance of Winston Churchill, who, during his strenuous tenure as Britain's prime minister throughout World War II, often sought solace in quiet moments—accompanied merely by his trusted cigar.

For numerous years now, my personal routine has encompassed early-morning awakenings—moments of solitude to sit, pray, and ponder. I've found that unless I prioritize these reflective moments early in the day, they are likely to be engulfed by the day’s busyness.

The individuals I admire, who've made significant impacts in their fields, universally make a point to withdraw from the constant hustle to deliberate with their thoughts. They appreciate the importance of revisiting their experiences, of assessing, and of the quietude. One unanimous understanding amongst them is that the practice of reflection should not be hurried.

In the flurry of today’s fast-paced world, where we are constantly beckoned by some form of technology, it can be tempting to always be on the move. But I encourage you to resist this impulse. Reflective moments might seem to contradict the summer's call for activity and social engagement, but they bring their own reward. The key is to sideline distractions.

During my tenure in the corporate world, I noticed that as I climbed the ranks, there was increasing pressure to make swift decisions—decisions that had profound implications. I developed a practice I term as the “pre-decision pause.” Whenever I felt compelled to make an immediate decision, instead of hurriedly voicing a yes or no, I would calmly state, “I need more time to make a decision.” I'd take the time I thought necessary—be it an additional hour, day, or even a week—to arrive at a confident decision and propose a future meet-up.

At times, I've felt an intense urge to respond just because someone was anticipating my reply promptly. Over time, I've learned to allow myself the time I need to make a thoughtful decision. During this period, I seek guidance. I reflect. I contemplate. I pray. As you enjoy this summer, I encourage you to do the same. It’s an investment in your future leadership, after all.